A flood risk solution to put your mind at rest

With the issue of seasonal flooding a real problem in the UK, Floodsafe Projects in Lancashire have worked on over 600 properties protecting them from the devastation flooding can bring. The latest one is a large detached property on the river, in Garstang, using precast concrete Redi-Rock flood blocks. Local residents and Councillors had set up a Flood Action Group (FLAG) as flooding in the area was a concern and looked into possible funding in order to construct a flood defence bund that could be extended to defend the entire village. Due to the involvement of the Environmental Agency (EA) and local authorities there were many extensive procedures and requirements that had to be met. Several options were explored and due to the nature of the surrounding area being agricultural land and the abundance of working space it was decided to follow up on the original bund option. The final design cover over 600 meters of flood defences bu means of a combination of earthen raised bund through agricultural land, plus a 1.5 meter high modular block wall, complete with gates and a demountable barriers, where the line comes closer to a domestic property. The site covers land of three landowners and is adjacent to the River Wyre and a major ‘A’ road. The flood defence not only protects the three landowners but also prevent the flow of floodwater passing onto the road, where it had previously flooded 58 properties. As a result of the flood protection work, the Parish Council has been able to generate significant funding from the EA, the Local Council and other funding sources. The 70 meters wide by 1.5 meter high wall has been built using the latest walling development from Marshalls CPM with Floodsafe being one of the initial consumers in the UK to install it. The flood blocks are based on the Redi-Rock concrete walling system with Floodsafe using a ledgestone finish that gives a random textured natural stone looking face. Laid on a reinforced concrete strip foundation, the hollow blocks allow for a steel reinforcements and concrete infill to be used, allowing for quick installation which is then filled with reinforced concrete, protecting the surrounding property from flood water whilst still enhancing the look of the local area. On completion of the wall, Floodsafe Projects said “this is the first time we have used the Redi-Rock walling solution after seeing it at an exhibition and talking to John O’Gara, the Specifications Manager for the North. We have been impressed with the ease of installation and help we have received from the team at Marshalls CPM, from design through to delivery they have been with us every step of the way answering any questions from the EA or we have for them. The installed wall went in quickly and looks great, the owners of the property are very happy”.

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